Minimizing Waste

Penn is dedicated to improving our waste stream through a host of efforts. Visit the Minimizing Waste page[3] on the Facilities & Real Estate Services website.

What is “single stream” recycling?

Since September 2010, Penn has used a single-stream recycling system. This means that all recyclable materials (mixed paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and all plastics) can be placed together in the same container.

Some areas on campus may still have separate bins for “mixed paper” and “plastic/glass/aluminum,” but all recyclables can go in those bins.

Note: Styrofoam and plastic bags/wrap cannot be recycled, and should be placed in trash bins.

A special vendor must be used to dispose of unwanted computers (including monitors, printers, and hard drives), electronics, and appliances. Many offices and departments use Elemental[17] or E-Force[18] to collect and dispose of these items. Contact your Sustainability Coordinator[7] to find out if your School or Center is participating in electronics recycling.

How can I recycle my old office/home furniture?

Ben’s Attic[19] is a website developed by Purchasing Services that allows Penn staff and faculty to exchange and purchase surplus University-owned property. Purchases may be made through your department’s purchasing manager. Ben’s Attic is for departmental use only; no personal purchases are allowed.

At the end of the year in May, PennMOVES[20] collects items that Penn students can’t take with them when they leave campus– clothes, furniture, appliances, books, housewares, toys, sporting goods and nonperishable food, etc. Contact your Building Administrator or Area Manager[21] for additional guidance.

Where can I donate clothes and other small items?

A Goodwill donation box is located on campus year-round at Rodin College House. Each May during PennMOVES[22], an organized collection takes place across campus under the direction of Business Services.

Clothing and accessories that are in good condition and are in style can be taken to local consignment shops and donated.

The Annenberg Public Policy Center building has a worm bin for waste and leftovers from staff meals. Mayer Hall has a composting bin for residents’ food waste. The Law School composts leftover food from events and receptions. Koo Plaza (2nd Floor) of Huntsman Hall has a compost bin for food waste. An increasing number of schools and centers are holding green events[23] that include a compost option.

In the spring of 2018, a composting pilot in the Harrison Community Garden (located on the pathway between Harrison College House and the LGBT Center) launched. The program is available to any Penn members interested in composting their food waste. Please visit the Bennett Compost[24] website for a list of accepted items. For more information, please contact Eco-Reps Sam Friskey[25] or Hannah Sanders[26].

Conserving Energy

How do I report waste heat (a building that is too hot) or waste cooling (a building that is too cold)?

Penn continues to be one of the largest purchasers of Green Power among institutions of higher education, and regularly recognized by the EPA’s Green Power Partnership program. In 2013, the University signed a five-year contract to purchase over 200M kWh of wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) annually. According to the EPA’s accounting of voluntary REC purchases, over 50% of Penn's total electrical consumption is carbon-free.

Penn is committed to keeping its campus safe, and lighting is one of the best deterrents for crime. Thus, in addition to internal lighting required by fire safety code in Penn building corridors, staircases, and office spaces, many lights at building perimeters remain lit throughout the night to help illuminate walkways and sidewalks to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and other members of the Penn community. To conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Penn has upgraded the lamps in all outdoor pedestrian lights (the familiar “acorn” lampposts) to LED, reducing electricity consumption as well as the need for frequent bulb replacement. General campus flood lighting, such as that used at Shoemaker Green, College Green, and the 38th Street Bridge, use high efficiency LED or conventional lamps.

Sustainable Transportation

How can I get to and from Penn’s campus without a car?

Penn’s compact urban campus is well served by a variety of alternative transportation modes suitable for reducing the amount of single automobile commutes to and from the University. Learn more about Penn Rides, the Walking Escort Service, LUCY, SEPTA, New Jersey Transit, regional rail, and bicycling programs on our Reducing Emissions[30] webpage and the Penn Transit[31] website.

Purchasing Practices

What green purchasing practices exist at Penn?

Penn is pleased to purchase the greenest products available. Many of the electronics in offices around campus are ENERGY STAR certified and all offices are stocked with 30% post-consumer content paper. Visit the Green Purchasing[34] website.

Learning Sustainability

Where can I find more information about classes related to sustainability?

Several academic programs and courses are listed on our Learning Sustainability[35] page. The Penn Sustainability Office hopes this document will help students to identify sustainability-focused classes that fit into their particular curriculum or in order to increase their overall sustainability knowledge and literacy.

Designing Green

How does Penn incorporate sustainability into campus buildings?

New buildings on Penn’s campus target LEED Silver Certification. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program is administered by the U.S. Green Building Council. Visit our Designing Green[40] webpage, or the Built Environment[41] page on the Facilities & Real Estate Services website.

Is there a map/walking tour of green buildings on campus?

Using the Penn Plant Explorer [42]you can locate and learn about plants and other green features on campus. On your own, visit a number of green spaces at Penn.

Local Foods

Where can I buy organic or local foods on or around campus?

Enjoy local produce and meals in Penn dining halls and cafes managed by Bon Appétit[43]. You can also purchase a variety of organic food items with your Dining Dollars at Gourmet Grocer in 1920 Commons.

Various farmers’ markets throughout the city provide fresh, local produce and baked goods--view a listing of markets[44]. On campus, the University Square Farmers’ Market is held on Wednesdays in front of the Penn Bookstore at 36th and Market Streets. For questions related to the University Square Farmers Market, please contact Jon Glyn[45].

Getting Involved

What environmental programs and volunteer opportunities are available on campus?

Penn students, faculty, and staff interested in implementing sustainability projects on campus can apply to the Eco-Reps[46] program.

A complete list of student sustainability groups can be found on our Student Groups[47] page.

Incoming freshman can register for the PennGreen[48] pre-orientation program to learn more about campus and city sustainability efforts.

Eco-Reps is an environmental leadership program that focuses on raising awareness of environmental issues and impacting the behavior of individuals across the Penn campus. Following an application process, Student or Staff/Faculty Eco-Reps work together with campus stakeholders and within their departments to develop educational events, activities, and campaigns aimed at supporting the University’s environmental goals and Climate Action Plan.

Those living in Penn’s College Houses are invited to apply for Green Living Certification[49]. Earn points by minimizing waste, using less energy and water, and having other environmentally friendly habits. Get enough points and you will become Bronze, Silver, or Gold Certified and win prizes!

I work in an office at Penn. Are there guidelines to “green” my office space?

The Penn Sustainability Office recognizes the efforts of staff and faculty to green their daily activities by offering four levels of Green Office Certification[50].

I work in a Lab on campus. Are there guidelines to “green” my lab space?

The Penn Sustainability Office created the Green Labs @ Penn Guide to provide overall guidelines for lab greening[56] and recognizes that some labs will be able to complete more actions than others.

How can I “green” my office or department’s IT operations?

Penn Computing’s Green I.T. website[57] highlights best practices to make computing at your office more sustainable.

I am a freshman or new student coming to Penn. What do I need to know before coming to Penn?

I have an idea for an environmental sustainability project. Where can I find funding?

Penn’s Green Fund [51]is designed to seed sustainability projects created by students, faculty and staff.

Those involved in academia are encouraged to apply for a Ben Franklin Scholars Course Design Grant. They are awarded to faculty for exceptional proposals for the development of new BFS seminars, including those that develop innovative approaches to sustainability. Contact BFS Associate Director Linda Wiedmann, wiedmann@upenn.edu[63].

How can I continue to learn more about Penn’s efforts on environmental sustainability?